What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery involves incisions on your breasts and surgically removing the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. The process takes place in four steps:

Anesthesia. The anesthetist will administer medications to you, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Suh will determine the best choice for you.

Incision. The incision lines will remain as permanent scars, but they will fade significantly over time. There are three types of incisions: a circular-type pattern around the areola, the “keyhole-shaped” pattern (incision around the areola and down to the breast crease), or an inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern.

Tissue Removal and Repositioning. After Dr. Suh makes her incisions, she then repositions your nipple. She reduces its size by removing skin on the outermost areas of the areola, if it is necessary. She reduces the underlying breast tissue, lifts and shapes it.

Closing the Incisions. Dr. Suh brings the incisions together to reshape the now smaller breast. The sutures are layered, and lie deep within the breast tissue to support your newly-shaped breasts.

In certain cases, the fat is sometimes removed via liposuction along with excision techniques, especially if your breast size is due to excess fat alone.

Overly large breasts can cause health and emotional problems. In addition to self-image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort.

Recovery for Mammoplasty

Dr. Suh’s team will apply medical dressings to your incisions. You may also need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and suspend the breasts during the healing phase. If necessary, you may need a small, thin, subdermal tube to temporarily to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Dr. Suh will give you specific instructions for breast reduction recovery including post-surgery care, medications, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to schedule a follow-up. Don’t forget to ask Dr. Suh specific questions about what you can expect during recovery, such as:

Where will I be taken immediately after surgery?

When will you remove my stitches?

When can I resume my normal daily routine?

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

You may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if you are:

Physically healthy

A non-smoker

Have breasts that limit your physical activity

Experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts